'I'm back': Manny Pacquiao confirms long-expected July 19 date with Mario Barrios
The comeback so many of the boxing world had feared was confirmed on Wednesday when the 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao revealed that his date with Mario Barrios on July 19 is official.
That one of the very finest fighters of the modern era was preparing to return after a four-year absence had represented one of the worst-kept secrets of an industry that thrives on gossip and rumour.
Pacquiao last fought when losing to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in August 2021 on an evening when he looked far from the destructive fighter he had been at his peak over a decade earlier.
In challenging Barrios for the 30-year-old’s WBC welterweight title at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand the Filipino is also being rewarded with an immediate title fight despite his decline and inactivity in a weight division he last recorded victory in against Keith Thurman in 2019.
It is perhaps relevant that the career of Thurman, 36 years old and after only one defeat, was considered over until he returned at junior middleweight in March to defeat Australia’s lightly regarded Brock Jarvis.
Pacquiao, however, appears to be being treated considerably differently. He will enter his 73rd fight without attempting to shed the ring rust that affects even the greatest of fighters, and after 498 rounds as a professional in a career that started at 106lbs, attempt to dethrone a vastly more active fighter 16 years his junior.
“I’m back,” he posted on social media. “On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“Let’s make history.”
Pacquiao, incidentally, is in June scheduled to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
BRANDON FIGUEROA VS. JOET GONZALEZ SET FOR JULY 19 ON PACQUIAO-BARRIOS CARD
LAS VEGAS – Brandon Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez are set to square off July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as part of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios pay-per-view undercard, multiple sources told The Ring on Thursday.
The remaining fights on the PBC on Prime Video PPV undercard for Pacquiao’s comeback fight at 46 against the WBC welterweight champion Barrios are set to be a rematch between WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu, as well as another rematch between Isaac Cruz and Angel Fierro.
An announcement is imminent from Premier Boxing Champions in the coming days, with press conferences scheduled for Saturday in Las Vegas and Tuesday in Los Angeles.
To prepare for his first fight since losing a February decision to Stephen Fulton for a second time, Figueroa has handed the coaching keys of his career to respected coach Manny Robles and will be training out of the Knockouts Boxing Facility in Los Angeles. The 28-year-old, Weslaco, Texas native Figueroa was previously trained by his father, Omar Figueroa Sr.
"Brandon is a disciplined kid. He works hard. We have to be ready for Joet," Robles told The Ring in an interview on Thursday while preparing his other charge, Armando Resendiz, for his fight against Caleb Plant on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay.
"Omar called me and asked if I could work with Brandon, and we agreed to give it a go. Brandon has been comfortable under my guidance so far. I am not trying to change too much. He's a veteran and a former world champion. He's a southpaw and orthodox fighter, and I am looking to add to his style. It's going to be a barnburner and hell of a fight.”
Figueroa (25-2-1, 19 KOs) is a former two-division world champion. He knocked out Luis Nery to claim a second 122-pound title in May 2021 and notched a unanimous decision against Mark Magsayo in March 2023 for the 126-pound belt he held.
Figueroa defended his featherweight title once against Jessie Magdaleno last May before losing to Fulton earlier this year following their spirited slugfest in November 2021 at 122 pounds, which resulted in a majority decision loss for Figueroa.
Gonzalez (27-4, 15 KOs) will be a gritty counterpart. The 31-year-old has alternated wins and losses in his last eight fights. The losses have come against former or current world champions in Luis Alberto Lopez, Isaac Dogboe, Emanuel Navarrete, and Shakur Stevenson.
LAS VEGAS – Brandon Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez are set to square off July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as part of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios pay-per-view undercard, multiple sources told The Ring on Thursday.
The remaining fights on the PBC on Prime Video PPV undercard for Pacquiao’s comeback fight at 46 against the WBC welterweight champion Barrios are set to be a rematch between WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu, as well as another rematch between Isaac Cruz and Angel Fierro.
An announcement is imminent from Premier Boxing Champions in the coming days, with press conferences scheduled for Saturday in Las Vegas and Tuesday in Los Angeles.
To prepare for his first fight since losing a February decision to Stephen Fulton for a second time, Figueroa has handed the coaching keys of his career to respected coach Manny Robles and will be training out of the Knockouts Boxing Facility in Los Angeles. The 28-year-old, Weslaco, Texas native Figueroa was previously trained by his father, Omar Figueroa Sr.
"Brandon is a disciplined kid. He works hard. We have to be ready for Joet," Robles told The Ring in an interview on Thursday while preparing his other charge, Armando Resendiz, for his fight against Caleb Plant on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay.
"Omar called me and asked if I could work with Brandon, and we agreed to give it a go. Brandon has been comfortable under my guidance so far. I am not trying to change too much. He's a veteran and a former world champion. He's a southpaw and orthodox fighter, and I am looking to add to his style. It's going to be a barnburner and hell of a fight.”
Figueroa (25-2-1, 19 KOs) is a former two-division world champion. He knocked out Luis Nery to claim a second 122-pound title in May 2021 and notched a unanimous decision against Mark Magsayo in March 2023 for the 126-pound belt he held.
Figueroa defended his featherweight title once against Jessie Magdaleno last May before losing to Fulton earlier this year following their spirited slugfest in November 2021 at 122 pounds, which resulted in a majority decision loss for Figueroa.
Gonzalez (27-4, 15 KOs) will be a gritty counterpart. The 31-year-old has alternated wins and losses in his last eight fights. The losses have come against former or current world champions in Luis Alberto Lopez, Isaac Dogboe, Emanuel Navarrete, and Shakur Stevenson.
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
Manny Pacquiao Removed From WBC World Rankings Just Weeks Before Comeback Fight
Manny Pacquiao has been removed from the WBC’s rankings just weeks after he re-entered them ahead of his shock return.
The 46-year-old from the Philippines will challenge reigning WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday July 19.
Pacquiao has not fought as a professional since he was beaten by former WBA champion Yordenis Ugas back in 2021, before going on to announce his retirement from the sport shortly after to focus on his political career.
After the 46-year-old’s comeback was made official last month, he was reinstated into the WBC’s welterweight rankings at number five, sparking outrage from the boxing community with many questioning the governing body’s decision.
In light of this news, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman admitted in an interview with Fight Hub TV that giving ‘PacMan’ such a substantial ranking ahead of his return was a mistake.
“The World Boxing Council regulations allow legendary boxers who receive a license from a boxing commission and who pass all their exams to compete for the title.
We made a mistake in ranking him number five, and that caused confusion among the media and fans, obviously saying, “Why is he ranked if he hasn’t fought?” What happened is that permission was granted, the fight was authorised, and we’ll talk again on July 20 to see how it went.
I think we’re going to remove him from the rankings with the clarification that he will fight based on the regulations.”
In the latest update, Pacquiao has been officially removed from the WBC’s rankings ahead of his return next month.
Manny Pacquiao has been removed from the WBC’s rankings just weeks after he re-entered them ahead of his shock return.
The 46-year-old from the Philippines will challenge reigning WBC welterweight world champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday July 19.
Pacquiao has not fought as a professional since he was beaten by former WBA champion Yordenis Ugas back in 2021, before going on to announce his retirement from the sport shortly after to focus on his political career.
After the 46-year-old’s comeback was made official last month, he was reinstated into the WBC’s welterweight rankings at number five, sparking outrage from the boxing community with many questioning the governing body’s decision.
In light of this news, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman admitted in an interview with Fight Hub TV that giving ‘PacMan’ such a substantial ranking ahead of his return was a mistake.
“The World Boxing Council regulations allow legendary boxers who receive a license from a boxing commission and who pass all their exams to compete for the title.
We made a mistake in ranking him number five, and that caused confusion among the media and fans, obviously saying, “Why is he ranked if he hasn’t fought?” What happened is that permission was granted, the fight was authorised, and we’ll talk again on July 20 to see how it went.
I think we’re going to remove him from the rankings with the clarification that he will fight based on the regulations.”
In the latest update, Pacquiao has been officially removed from the WBC’s rankings ahead of his return next month.
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
On Pacquiao vs Barrios for the WBC world title
“You can’t just be out for five years, like already be done and then come back, have a couple of exhibitions, look terrible, and then phone up the WBC and say ‘stick me in at number’ — what’s he five?
“But also, it is a business and I do understand but it just makes a little bit of a mockery of the world championships. And Barrios is not the greatest world champion but I think he’s better than what we saw the last time out, when he boxed on the Mike Tyson card, and I think he’ll beat Manny Pacquiao quite handily.
“I’m happy for Manny but it just should work out like that, and you’ll see a shot legend in the ring, which I think is quite sad. But, listen, if he wants to do it and he’s got the will to do it, good luck to him. But I just don’t think you should be out five years, not fight anybody, and then just stroll back into the rankings because you’re Manny Pacquiao.
“Do the fight, but it shouldn’t be for the world championship, in my opinion. But I don’t think he has a chance at all, even though Barrios has showed no great form. I think he’ll just be too young and strong for him.”
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
Mario Barrios-Manny Pacquiao: Thomas Taylor appointed as referee for WBC title fight
One of the top referees in the sport has been assigned to officiate the ring return of a legendary Hall of Famer.
Thomas Taylor (California) will serve as referee for the Mario Barrios-Manny Pacquiao WBC welterweight title fight. Their scheduled twelve-round clash will headline a July 19 PBC on Prime Video Pay-Per-View event from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Joining Taylor will be judges Tim Cheatham (Nevada), Max DeLuca (New York via California) and Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey).
Pacquiao, 62-8-2 (39 KOs) – who entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame earlier this month - will fight for the first time in four years, though it comes in familiar surroundings. The occasion will mark his 23rd career bout in Vegas, though surprisingly his first with Taylor assigned as the third man in the ring.
It will mark the third time that Taylor will serve as the referee for a contest involving Barrios, 29-2-1 (18 KOs), who will attempt his second defense as full WBC welterweight titlist.
Taylor was assigned to Barrios’ lopsided points win over Yordenis Ugas to win the interim version of the belt in their September 2023 meeting at nearby T-Mobile Arena. Barrios was upgraded to full titleholder less than a year later.
The win over Ugas came more than two years after Barrios’ secondary WBA junior welterweight title reign ended in a June 2021 knockout defeat to Gervonta Davis. Taylor was the referee for that contest, which saw an unbeaten Barrios floored three times before their bout was stopped at 2:13 of the eleventh round.
Less than two months later, Pacquiao would encounter the end to his own title reign – and, at the time, his career as well. The legendary eight-division champion from General Santos City, Philippines lost his WBA welterweight title to Ugas via unanimous decision in August 2021.
Among the ringside officials that night was judge Weisfeld, whose 116-112 card for Ugas was in line with how most viewed the fight.
Weisfeld was also a judge for Pacquiao’s April 2016 rubber match with Tim Bradley and fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez in December 2012). He was twice assigned to fights involved Barrios – his aforementioned victory over Ugas and February 2022 points loss to Keith Thurman at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.
Judge Cheatham was also a ringside official for Barrios-Ugas and Thurman-Barrios. The Nevada-based judge also worked Barrios’ September 2019 narrow win over Batyr Akhmedov to win the secondary version of the WBA 140lbs title.
Pacquiao’s last two wins both came at MGM and included Cheatham among the judging panel. He claimed a unanimous decision over Adrien Broner in their January 2019 meeting, where Cheatham’s card of 116-112 was in line by ringside peers Glenn Feldman (116-112) and Dave Moretti (117-111).
Six months later, Cheatham (115-112) was one of two judges who had Pacquiao edging Thurman in their historic July 2012 WBA 147lbs title fight at MGM Grand. A 40-year-old Pacquiao claimed a split decision that evening to become the oldest fighter ever to win to win a welterweight title.
Judge DeLuca was an official for seven previous bouts involving Barrios, most recently his twelve-round, unanimous decision over Fabian Maidana last May 4 at T-Mobile Arena. His lone assignment involving Pacquiao came more than 20 years ag, when Pacquiao knocked out Manny Lucero in the third round of a July 2003 IBF 122lbs title fight in Los Angeles, California.
Should Pacquiao, now 46, defeat Barrios, he would break his own record by six years. It would come six years almost to the day of his abovementioned win over Thurman. He would also become the first boxer ever to win a major title after he gained Hall of Fame enshrinement.
The matter remains a tall order – literally and figuratively. Barrios – who, at 6’0” holds a seven-inch height advantage – is a -333 favorite to prevail, according to bet365 sportsbook.
One of the top referees in the sport has been assigned to officiate the ring return of a legendary Hall of Famer.
Thomas Taylor (California) will serve as referee for the Mario Barrios-Manny Pacquiao WBC welterweight title fight. Their scheduled twelve-round clash will headline a July 19 PBC on Prime Video Pay-Per-View event from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Joining Taylor will be judges Tim Cheatham (Nevada), Max DeLuca (New York via California) and Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey).
Pacquiao, 62-8-2 (39 KOs) – who entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame earlier this month - will fight for the first time in four years, though it comes in familiar surroundings. The occasion will mark his 23rd career bout in Vegas, though surprisingly his first with Taylor assigned as the third man in the ring.
It will mark the third time that Taylor will serve as the referee for a contest involving Barrios, 29-2-1 (18 KOs), who will attempt his second defense as full WBC welterweight titlist.
Taylor was assigned to Barrios’ lopsided points win over Yordenis Ugas to win the interim version of the belt in their September 2023 meeting at nearby T-Mobile Arena. Barrios was upgraded to full titleholder less than a year later.
The win over Ugas came more than two years after Barrios’ secondary WBA junior welterweight title reign ended in a June 2021 knockout defeat to Gervonta Davis. Taylor was the referee for that contest, which saw an unbeaten Barrios floored three times before their bout was stopped at 2:13 of the eleventh round.
Less than two months later, Pacquiao would encounter the end to his own title reign – and, at the time, his career as well. The legendary eight-division champion from General Santos City, Philippines lost his WBA welterweight title to Ugas via unanimous decision in August 2021.
Among the ringside officials that night was judge Weisfeld, whose 116-112 card for Ugas was in line with how most viewed the fight.
Weisfeld was also a judge for Pacquiao’s April 2016 rubber match with Tim Bradley and fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez in December 2012). He was twice assigned to fights involved Barrios – his aforementioned victory over Ugas and February 2022 points loss to Keith Thurman at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.
Judge Cheatham was also a ringside official for Barrios-Ugas and Thurman-Barrios. The Nevada-based judge also worked Barrios’ September 2019 narrow win over Batyr Akhmedov to win the secondary version of the WBA 140lbs title.
Pacquiao’s last two wins both came at MGM and included Cheatham among the judging panel. He claimed a unanimous decision over Adrien Broner in their January 2019 meeting, where Cheatham’s card of 116-112 was in line by ringside peers Glenn Feldman (116-112) and Dave Moretti (117-111).
Six months later, Cheatham (115-112) was one of two judges who had Pacquiao edging Thurman in their historic July 2012 WBA 147lbs title fight at MGM Grand. A 40-year-old Pacquiao claimed a split decision that evening to become the oldest fighter ever to win to win a welterweight title.
Judge DeLuca was an official for seven previous bouts involving Barrios, most recently his twelve-round, unanimous decision over Fabian Maidana last May 4 at T-Mobile Arena. His lone assignment involving Pacquiao came more than 20 years ag, when Pacquiao knocked out Manny Lucero in the third round of a July 2003 IBF 122lbs title fight in Los Angeles, California.
Should Pacquiao, now 46, defeat Barrios, he would break his own record by six years. It would come six years almost to the day of his abovementioned win over Thurman. He would also become the first boxer ever to win a major title after he gained Hall of Fame enshrinement.
The matter remains a tall order – literally and figuratively. Barrios – who, at 6’0” holds a seven-inch height advantage – is a -333 favorite to prevail, according to bet365 sportsbook.
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MightyWarrior
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
Will Manny be taking his usual package of steroids for this one, or a doc’s orders extra old pacman dose?
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
Gary Russell Jnr, Mark Magsayo, David Picasso set for Barrios-Pacquiao undercard
The streaming portion of the Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao undercard will feature the return of former WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jnr in his first fight in three years when he faces Hugo Castañeda in a ten-round lightweight bout.
The card will take place on July 19 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with the final three fights of the card to be broadcasted live on Amazon Prime pay-per-view, with the three fights before that streaming on Amazon Prime.
Russell Jnr, 31-2 (18 KOs), hasn’t fought since losing his title to Mark Magsayo in January of 2022 by majority decision. He will face the 23-year-old Hugo Castañeda, 15-2-1 (11 KOs), of Reynosa, Mexico. Castañeda last fought in April, losing by fourth round stoppage to prospect Demler Zamora.
I’m ready to shake off the dust and entertain by doing what I love. Make sure you tune in to see me do my thing,” said the 37-year-old Russell of Capitol Heights, Maryland.
"This is a huge opportunity for me and I'm coming to take full advantage of it," said Castañeda. "I know that I'm facing a great fighter who's accomplished a lot, but I have everything it takes to get the victory. I'm training hard to be at my best and show everyone what I can do on July 19."
David Picasso 31-0-1 (17 KOs), of Mexico City will face Kyonosuke Kameda, 15-4-2 (9 KOs), of Osaka, Japan in a ten-round junior featherweight fight.
“Facing Kameda will be a tremendous challenge, but I’m preparing diligently so that I walk out of the ring with my hands raised on July 19. I’m ready to show the world what we’re made of and move closer to a year-end title opportunity,” said Picasso.
"I've gained great experience from my last fight and I'm going to bring it into the ring against Picasso. I come from a family of world champions and I know that I have to do whatever it takes to get my hand raised,” added Kameda.
Magsayo, who is co-promoted by Pacquiao and TGB Promotions, will face Mexico’s Jorge Mata in a ten-round junior lightweight fight. The 30-year-old Magsayo, 27-2 (18 KOs), of Tagbilaran City, Philippines has won three straight fights since moving up to 130lbs after losing his WBC featherweight title, while the 24-year-old Mata, 21-2-2 (13 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico has won five straight.
“I’m extremely grateful to my whole team for the opportunity. It’s surreal to be training and fighting alongside Manny every day. It brings back memories of being eight-years-old and watching him fight for the first time. Even with all of this, I’m locked in on my goal of becoming a two division world champion. I can’t wait to step into the ring and give the fans an exciting fight. I feel great at this weight and I know that I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter. We’re both going to be ready to give the fans fireworks on July 19,” said Magsayo.
"This is going to be another great toe-to-toe Mexico vs. Philippines battle," said Mata. "I'm extremely motivated to be facing a former champion like Magsayo on a huge event headlined by Manny Pacquiao. On July 19, I'll leave it all in the ring and give the fans a fight that they're going to love."
The streaming portion of the Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao undercard will feature the return of former WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jnr in his first fight in three years when he faces Hugo Castañeda in a ten-round lightweight bout.
The card will take place on July 19 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with the final three fights of the card to be broadcasted live on Amazon Prime pay-per-view, with the three fights before that streaming on Amazon Prime.
Russell Jnr, 31-2 (18 KOs), hasn’t fought since losing his title to Mark Magsayo in January of 2022 by majority decision. He will face the 23-year-old Hugo Castañeda, 15-2-1 (11 KOs), of Reynosa, Mexico. Castañeda last fought in April, losing by fourth round stoppage to prospect Demler Zamora.
I’m ready to shake off the dust and entertain by doing what I love. Make sure you tune in to see me do my thing,” said the 37-year-old Russell of Capitol Heights, Maryland.
"This is a huge opportunity for me and I'm coming to take full advantage of it," said Castañeda. "I know that I'm facing a great fighter who's accomplished a lot, but I have everything it takes to get the victory. I'm training hard to be at my best and show everyone what I can do on July 19."
David Picasso 31-0-1 (17 KOs), of Mexico City will face Kyonosuke Kameda, 15-4-2 (9 KOs), of Osaka, Japan in a ten-round junior featherweight fight.
“Facing Kameda will be a tremendous challenge, but I’m preparing diligently so that I walk out of the ring with my hands raised on July 19. I’m ready to show the world what we’re made of and move closer to a year-end title opportunity,” said Picasso.
"I've gained great experience from my last fight and I'm going to bring it into the ring against Picasso. I come from a family of world champions and I know that I have to do whatever it takes to get my hand raised,” added Kameda.
Magsayo, who is co-promoted by Pacquiao and TGB Promotions, will face Mexico’s Jorge Mata in a ten-round junior lightweight fight. The 30-year-old Magsayo, 27-2 (18 KOs), of Tagbilaran City, Philippines has won three straight fights since moving up to 130lbs after losing his WBC featherweight title, while the 24-year-old Mata, 21-2-2 (13 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico has won five straight.
“I’m extremely grateful to my whole team for the opportunity. It’s surreal to be training and fighting alongside Manny every day. It brings back memories of being eight-years-old and watching him fight for the first time. Even with all of this, I’m locked in on my goal of becoming a two division world champion. I can’t wait to step into the ring and give the fans an exciting fight. I feel great at this weight and I know that I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter. We’re both going to be ready to give the fans fireworks on July 19,” said Magsayo.
"This is going to be another great toe-to-toe Mexico vs. Philippines battle," said Mata. "I'm extremely motivated to be facing a former champion like Magsayo on a huge event headlined by Manny Pacquiao. On July 19, I'll leave it all in the ring and give the fans a fight that they're going to love."
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
Next week..
Who’s gonna even bother with this?
Who’s gonna even bother with this?
Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
It is up there with the potentially most saddest fights (even on paper) that has ever happened.
Whilst on paper (without actually seeing how Ali was walking, moving and even talking in the build up) Ali vs Holmes would be considered more competitive - Ali being just 2 years removed from a pretty decent display. It might be on paper (it is close) considered more competitive than Joppy vs Duran - some folk might argue that Duran was some EIGHTEEN YEARS passed his prime, definately 9 years passed his prime (if you consider the excellent performance vs Barkley as some kind of prime) - although Joppy wasn't the greatest champion. Kostya Tszyu vs Chavez was something similar also.
Its nothing to be proud of to think if this is it the saddest fight on paper ever or not.
BUT - have to be honest, there is something about watching that old lion and just wondering if maybe, just maybe, they can defy time that one last time. For every 10 (maybe more) Ali vs Holmes moment, we get a Duran vs Barkley moment - or even if it is a honourable defeat.
So if it is available to Amazon Prime viewers (not on PPV - it is unclear what is the UK channel) - I will probably tune in. In a weird way, at least I know Pacqauio is way over the hill and shot. I would hate to see Usyk lose to a guy he beat handily a couple of years ago (basically won all but one round) and that would be a father time thing ONLY also if he was too lose. That potentially could be sadder than this (which we know will be sad).
At least with Pacquiao it will be almost seen as legacy enhancing if he wins a round vs Barrios. Unlike when we saw the end of Roy Jones Jnr's championship career or Kostya Tszyu vs Ricky Hatton. If/when Barrios pummels Pacquiao - no one is going to say "I think Barrios could beat a prime Pacquiao", whereas people now say it when comparing Calzaghe and Jones Jnr.
Whilst on paper (without actually seeing how Ali was walking, moving and even talking in the build up) Ali vs Holmes would be considered more competitive - Ali being just 2 years removed from a pretty decent display. It might be on paper (it is close) considered more competitive than Joppy vs Duran - some folk might argue that Duran was some EIGHTEEN YEARS passed his prime, definately 9 years passed his prime (if you consider the excellent performance vs Barkley as some kind of prime) - although Joppy wasn't the greatest champion. Kostya Tszyu vs Chavez was something similar also.
Its nothing to be proud of to think if this is it the saddest fight on paper ever or not.
BUT - have to be honest, there is something about watching that old lion and just wondering if maybe, just maybe, they can defy time that one last time. For every 10 (maybe more) Ali vs Holmes moment, we get a Duran vs Barkley moment - or even if it is a honourable defeat.
So if it is available to Amazon Prime viewers (not on PPV - it is unclear what is the UK channel) - I will probably tune in. In a weird way, at least I know Pacqauio is way over the hill and shot. I would hate to see Usyk lose to a guy he beat handily a couple of years ago (basically won all but one round) and that would be a father time thing ONLY also if he was too lose. That potentially could be sadder than this (which we know will be sad).
At least with Pacquiao it will be almost seen as legacy enhancing if he wins a round vs Barrios. Unlike when we saw the end of Roy Jones Jnr's championship career or Kostya Tszyu vs Ricky Hatton. If/when Barrios pummels Pacquiao - no one is going to say "I think Barrios could beat a prime Pacquiao", whereas people now say it when comparing Calzaghe and Jones Jnr.
Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
Could be a dangerous fight
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
How much paper have you got?stujones wrote: ↑09 Jul 2025, 07:46 It is up there with the potentially most saddest fights (even on paper) that has ever happened.
Whilst on paper (without actually seeing how Ali was walking, moving and even talking in the build up) Ali vs Holmes would be considered more competitive - Ali being just 2 years removed from a pretty decent display. It might be on paper (it is close) considered more competitive than Joppy vs Duran - some folk might argue that Duran was some EIGHTEEN YEARS passed his prime, definately 9 years passed his prime (if you consider the excellent performance vs Barkley as some kind of prime) - although Joppy wasn't the greatest champion. Kostya Tszyu vs Chavez was something similar also.
Its nothing to be proud of to think if this is it the saddest fight on paper ever or not.
BUT - have to be honest, there is something about watching that old lion and just wondering if maybe, just maybe, they can defy time that one last time. For every 10 (maybe more) Ali vs Holmes moment, we get a Duran vs Barkley moment - or even if it is a honourable defeat.
So if it is available to Amazon Prime viewers (not on PPV - it is unclear what is the UK channel) - I will probably tune in. In a weird way, at least I know Pacqauio is way over the hill and shot. I would hate to see Usyk lose to a guy he beat handily a couple of years ago (basically won all but one round) and that would be a father time thing ONLY also if he was too lose. That potentially could be sadder than this (which we know will be sad).
At least with Pacquiao it will be almost seen as legacy enhancing if he wins a round vs Barrios. Unlike when we saw the end of Roy Jones Jnr's championship career or Kostya Tszyu vs Ricky Hatton. If/when Barrios pummels Pacquiao - no one is going to say "I think Barrios could beat a prime Pacquiao", whereas people now say it when comparing Calzaghe and Jones Jnr.
Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
Anyone know if this is available if you just subscribe to Prime video??
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keithmoonhangover
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
Unless he takes an absolute beating, I think Manny will get the decision.
Regarding Russell's 3.5 year lay off, why do PBC guys fight so infrequently?
Regarding Russell's 3.5 year lay off, why do PBC guys fight so infrequently?
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Ruthless-RKO
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NoScoutingReports
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keithmoonhangover
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Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
Just saw the photo of them standing next to each other. I don't know why I'm not surprised by this, but Manny looks like an old man.
Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
It's sad that Pacquiao has blown his money, this is unlikely to end well.
Re: Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios | PBC PPV - 19 July 2025
According to some comments I read from him the other day, Pacquiao is just the latest in a (very) long line of veteran fighters who discovered the fountain of youth during a long lay-off, meaning that aging and inactivity has rendered them stronger and faster.